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Can I build an outside bathroom?

An outdoor bathroom can be as complex or as simple as you like. For those who just need a place to wash away sand and beach debris, affix a basic shower head to a fence or pole, and finish with a small concrete or timber platform. Bonus points if you have large foliage plants that can provide camouflage.

bhg.com.au - How to create an outdoor bathroom | Better Homes and Gardens
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We’ve rounded up some of the most inspiring outdoor bathroom ideas that can be installed anywhere around your home and garden.

1. The basics

An outdoor bathroom doesn’t have to be large and fancy. Really, all you need is a carport-like structure or alcove, a concrete slab with a drain, somewhere to hang a towel and a shower head.

Image: Brigid Arnott / aremediasyndication.com.au

2. Poolside bathroom

This particular outdoor bathroom can be easily incorporated into a niche or alcove of a property and will avoid tracked in sand or wet footprints on your floor. All you need is lockable barn doors or a simple timber screen for privacy, lighting if you wish, drainage and a shower.

Image: Maree Homer / aremediasyndication.com.au

3. In the garden

An outdoor bathroom can be as complex or as simple as you like. For those who just need a place to wash away sand and beach debris, affix a basic shower head to a fence or pole, and finish with a small concrete or timber platform. Bonus points if you have large foliage plants that can provide camouflage.

Image: Maree Homer / aremediasyndication.com.au

4. Courtyard convenience

If you’re one of the lucky few who can access the beach via your garden or courtyard, then this type of outdoor shower is the one for you. Pick a rust-resistant rain shower and team it with minimal a pebble-filled courtyard space, stepping stones, or timber decking.

Image: Sharyn Cairns / aremediasyndication.com.au

5. Outdoor style

Perfect for both poolside parties and beach bums, an outdoor shower made from a timber decking or platform, vintage shower head, and hooks for towels and swimmers covers all the essentials, without requiring too much construction.

Image: Mark Roper / aremediasyndication.com.au

6. Living in Luxury

If money is no object and you quite enjoy living in the lap of luxury, then you can’t go past an in-built outdoor bathroom that boasts a water feature shower head. Light timbers and lush foliage necessary!

Image: Steve Ryan / aremediasyndication.com.au

7. Private oasis

For those who live in a remote location with plenty of privacy and breathtaking views, then a luxurious outdoor bath might the ticket for you.

Image: Marnie Hawson / aremediasyndication.com.au

You might also like:

How to turn your bathroom into a private oasis

3 things you need to know about designing an affordable bathroom

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Do you need permission to run a B&B?

If you plan to open a small bed and breakfast in your own home, you may not need planning permission to start your business. The key test to decide if you need planning permission is whether you will change the overall nature of the house. For example, a building changing from a private home to business premises.

nibusinessinfo.co.uk - Planning permission and building control for tourism businesses

If you plan to open a small bed and breakfast in your own home, you may not need planning permission to start your business. The key test to decide if you need planning permission is whether you will change the overall nature of the house. For example, a building changing from a private home to business premises.

Changing the use of premises

If your home will no longer be used mainly as a private residence, and your business activities will affect the area where you live then you will likely need planning consent for a change of use. Things affecting the local area include disturbance to neighbours and increased footfall. You only need planning permission if the new building use is classed differently from the current one. For example, changing the building from a greengrocer to a shoe shop will not need planning permission as both are classed as shops. However, if you're changing a home into a guest house then you will need planning permission.

New premises

If you are agreeing a lease or buying a new property for your accommodation start-up, you should consider in advance if you need to get planning permission for your intended use. Also think about what your chances of getting it are. Contact your local area planning office for their advice at an early stage.

Building regulations

Building regulations apply if you plan to:

convert, extend or make changes to the structure of an existing property

construct a new building

These rules set standards on the safety and stability of any building work. If you're planning on carrying out work on your premises, you must apply with your local Building Control Office.

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